TLDR
- Macau reached 10 million visitors in 2026 by March 21, hitting the milestone 12 days faster than in 2025.
- Daily visitor averages are running at 126,000, a 14% increase over the same period last year.
- Mainland China accounts for about 75% of all visitors, with Hong Kong second at 15%.
- Border Gate handles over 44% of all crossings, followed by the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge at nearly 20%.
- Last year Macau set an all-time record with 40.06 million arrivals, surpassing the pre-pandemic 2019 high.
Macau crossed the 10 million visitor mark for 2026 on March 21, reaching the milestone 12 days earlier than it did in 2025. The Public Security Police Force released the figures on Saturday morning.
The faster pace comes after a record-setting 2025, when Macau welcomed 40.06 million visitors for the full year. That total beat the previous high of 39.4 million set in 2019 by 1.6%.
So far in 2026, daily visitor averages are holding at roughly 126,000. That represents a 14% jump compared to the same stretch last year.
The numbers point to continued momentum in Macau’s post-pandemic tourism recovery. The city remains a popular destination for gaming, shopping, and short trips.
Mainland China continues to be the dominant source of visitors. Travelers from the mainland make up about 75% of all arrivals to Macau.
Hong Kong is the second-largest source market at 15%. Taiwan accounts for 2.5% of visitors, while overseas travelers fill out the remaining 6.6%.
Where Visitors Are Crossing Into Macau
Border crossing data shows a clear pattern in how people are entering the city. Border Gate is the busiest checkpoint, handling more than 44% of all entries.
The Macau Port on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge comes in second at nearly 20%. Hengqin follows at 16%.
These figures highlight the importance of land-based crossings. The bridge in particular has made it easier for visitors from Hong Kong and the surrounding Pearl River Delta region to reach Macau.
The reliance on mainland Chinese visitors remains a central feature of Macau’s tourism economy. With three-quarters of all arrivals coming from the mainland, any shifts in travel patterns from China would directly affect the city’s numbers.
2026 on Track to Challenge Last Year’s Record
Still, gains from Hong Kong and international travelers have helped round out the visitor base. The overall growth rate suggests broad-based demand rather than reliance on a single surge.
Reaching 10 million visitors by mid-March puts Macau in a strong position for the rest of the year. If the current daily average holds, the city would be on pace to exceed last year’s full-year total.
Macau’s appeal as a tourism destination has remained steady through the recovery period. The combination of casino gaming, retail, and its proximity to major population centers in southern China continues to draw crowds.
The Public Security Police Force tracks these figures closely as part of border management operations. The data released Saturday covered both visitor volumes and checkpoint usage.
The 14% increase in daily averages compared to last year is the clearest indicator of accelerating growth. It shows that the record set in 2025 may not stand for long.
As of March 21, 2026, Macau’s daily visitor average stands at 126,000, with Border Gate processing the largest share of crossings at over 44%.
